STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHCROFT REGARDING THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S REPORT ON THE FBI'S HANDLING OF MCVEIGH DOCUMENTS

WASHINGTON, DC – Attorney General John Ashcroft issued the following statement regarding Inspector General Glenn Fine's report on the FBI's handling of documents related to Timothy McVeigh. Ashcroft requested the Inspector General's report when he postponed the McVeigh execution last spring following the FBI's belated production of documents relating to the Oklahoma City bombing case.

"The American people have a right to have confidence in our justice system. The Inspector General's report determined that human error, compounded by antiquated and cumbersome information technology systems and procedures, contributed to the belated delivery of documents related to the McVeigh case. The FBI has already begun to update technology systems, improve information management, and provide more effective and timely accountability.

"Under Director Bob Mueller's leadership, the FBI has created new management positions to streamline information flow and improve accountability within the agency. A new records management division has been instituted to improve the FBI's handling of records and information. And up-to-date technology is being implemented to improve information sharing and record keeping.

"I thank Glenn Fine for his hard work and diligence in producing this report. I also want to congratulate FBI Director Mueller for moving ahead with critical reforms in the midst of running the largest criminal investigation in our nation's history.

"The Department of Justice is committed to implementing necessary reforms at the FBI, and these recommendations will be integral to this effort. We will use this information to help build a better government to serve the American people."

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